2008 Press Release |
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01-12: SAG BOARD VOTES TO SEND REFERENDUM TO MEMBERS |
“Shall the Phase I joint bargaining agreement with AFTRA (which governs the process by which contracts are jointly negotiated by the two unions) be terminated and the Constitution and By-Laws be so amended?
A ‘Yes’ vote will empower the National Board of Directors to negotiate a new, equitable joint bargaining agreement with AFTRA or, if that proves impossible, to allow Screen Actors Guild to independently negotiate the strongest possible collective bargaining agreement with the industry.
A ‘No’ vote will maintain the Phase I joint bargaining agreement with AFTRA as it presently exists without modification of any kind.”
The National Board of Directors of Screen Actors Guild, the Guild’s governing body which acts on behalf of the entire SAG membership, included in the referendum resolution a recommendation to the membership to vote "Yes."
“Unless we are able to correct the shortcomings of the current Phase 1 agreement, which AFTRA has thus far been unwilling to do, Phase 1 is as out of date as black and white television," said SAG President Alan Rosenberg.
"In light of the ongoing issues between SAG and AFTRA surrounding joint bargaining of contracts with the AMPTP, it is both prudent and wise to allow the members to chart the course of our union,” said SAG National Executive Director Doug Allen.
The return date for ballots in such referendum shall be set by the National Executive Director on a date no sooner than February 15, 2008, and no later than March 31, 2008.
The vote was 59.49% for the resolution and 40.51% against with 1 abstention. The Board also voted that a minority report shall be issued.